AN INTERNATIONAL FILM
Co-PRODUCTION
FILMING IN VIGAN, PHILIPPINES
PROPOSAL & PROJECT FEASIBILITY STUDY
MARCH 2024
MAHAL is a thrilling film that explores the complexities of relationships and the true meaning of
love— and the price we’ll pay to get it. Set against the exotic tropical gothic backdrop of the
Philippines, this story follows the journey of two lovers/killers from different worlds brought
together by fate and fortune one dark and stormy night. The word 'mahal' means both love and
expensive in Tagalog, and this duality serves as a metaphor for the challenges that our characters
face in their pursuit of happiness.
The film is written and directed by Hollywood filmmaker/ Filipina-American JILL KILLINGTON,
and is lead by Filipina superstar and international actress on the rise LOVI POE , with a Hollywood
actor as the leading man. With stunning cinematography and a powerful soundtrack, MAHAL is a
visceral cinematic experience that will leave audiences spellbound.
MAHAL: A Love Story Worth the Price
In the Philippines, the word "MAHAL" means "love" or "expensive," while the title “GOLD DIGGER” in the United States conjures a sense
of greed and materialism. The different titles reflect the inherently divergent values of the two cultures.
People in the Philippines are more likely to treasure familial relationships and emotional connections over material consumption, while
in the United States financial prosperity is often seen as a more important measurement for success in life than personal connections or
love.
Also, in Philippine cinema, love and romance has never gone out of style— meanwhile in current American cinema, real romance and
relationships are rarely even a part of the plot.
MAHAL / GOLD DIGGER will tell an unforgettable s love story that will appeal to fans of both thrilling horror and heart pounding
romance, while winning international film festivals and the hearts of audiences worldwide. In any language, this story is about what we
truly value in life and why we make the choices we make. Do we choose love, or money?
Philippines
USA/Internationally
logline with setting photo
A dream date becomes a perfect nightmare
for a rich, depressed playboy when a
charming con woman drugs him and takes
him hostage in his mansion. Now he has to
find a way to escape this murderous
monster’s trap before she can kill him and
steal his fortune. But over the course of this
strange, sexy, horrific night, these two
psychos just might fall in love… if they
don’t kill each other first.
Written & Directed
by
JILL KILLINGTON
LOGLINE
FILM PRODUCTION INFO
Written & Directed By: Jill Killington
Genres: Horror / Erotic Thriller
Total Shoot Days: 30 days principal on location in Vigan
Format: 2 : 1
Cameras: 2 Arri Alexa with Anamorphic Lenses
Philippines Total Production Budget: $1.2 Million USD
*With Post Production in United States: $2 Million USD
FILM COMPARISONS
Genres: Horror, Erotic Thriller
MAHAL will be a highly commercial movie comparable to elevated thrillers set in one contained location like BARBARIAN, THE INVITATION, and MISERY. After
the opening scene in a crowded nightclub and the scenic drive home, the single setting of the film will work greatly to our advantage, allowing us to create a
richly textured film of high quality— reflected in casting, cinematography, production design, and music— on a relatively low budget. In MAHAL, all the
money will be seen on-screen.
With this film, we expect to attract a 18+ male/female upscale audience domestically in the USA and internationally. The horror genre has enduring power at
the box office and streaming, and MAHAL will create debate as a sexy provocative date movie while also delivering laughs, scares, and a happy ending.
READY FOR THE SEXIEST/ SCARIEST DATE NIGHT EVER?
Lovi Poe is a multi-talented Filipina superstar. Her show "Batang Quiapo" is the top
rated drama in the country, her films are #1 on Philippine Netflix and her albums
have earned millions of streams.
LOVI POE
Lovi has recorded two studio albums through Sony BMG (Bloom and The Best Of My
Heart), which have amassed millions of streams.
Poe also claims over 46,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, as well as a cult following of
over 7.2 million on Instagram. These followers are highly engaged with Lovi’s high
upload rate of 14 posts per week, with an average of over 35,000 likes on each post and
over 490,000 likes per week. Lovi has featured in over 1,100 episodes of more than 30
different shows in the past 15 years, with features in more than 40 films in the same
time period.
Actress / Singer / Idol
STARRING
Award winning actress and singer LOVI POE is the star of over fifty Filipino films and tv series,
and daughter of “Da King” of Filipino cinema Fernando Poe Jr. The actress recently signed a
contract with the ABS-CBN Corporation, the premiere network of the Philippines. She filmed
her biggest English-language role to date in CHELSEA COWBOY, alongside Alex Pettyfer.
Poe recently launched her own production company, C’est Lovi Productions with Los Angeles
based executive producer Montgomery Blencowe (HEIST, ESCAPE PLAN 2). C’est Lovi has a
special focus on showcasing Filipino stories and artists in the international marketplace.
10
STARRING
LOVI POE
Actress / Singer / Idol